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New York Yankees: Prospects to Watch in 2016

By Christian Kouroupakis

Mar 3, 2015; Clearwater, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) runs back into the dugout during a spring training baseball game at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2015; Clearwater, FL, USA; New York Yankees right fielder Aaron Judge (99) runs back into the dugout during a spring training baseball game at Bright House Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Yankees: Prospects to Watch in 2016
Mar 31, 2015; Fort Myers, FL, USA; New York Yankees infielder Rob Refsnyder (98) prepares to throw to first base in the first inning of the spring training game against the Minnesota Twins at CenturyLink Sports Complex. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Rob Refsnyder, 2B

Rob Refsnyder spent the majority of 2015 in AAA and failed to meet offensive expectations. However, was able to cut his strikeout rate enough to earn a call up to the major league squad.

16 games is a small sample size, but he looked quite comfortable at the plate, and on the field. Refsnyder had a .363 w/OPA and stimulated interest of a possible platoon. Defensively, he didn’t make any glaring mistakes but was criticized for taking odd angles to ground balls.

According to Insider Edge, he made 97.4% of routine plays so he makes the routine plays but there is no accurate prediction on how he’d do in the long term, due to the small sample size.

As of right now, Refsnyder still has room for development especially on the defensive side of the ball.  This is why the Yankees went out at traded for Starlin Castro, as general manager Brian Cashman chose to part ways with the Refsnyder/Dustin Ackley platoon.

Castro has more potential upside on both sides of the ball and could move over to third base when Chase Headley’s contract expires. So, Refsnyder will be sent back to AAA to get more reps at second and further develop his bat. If New York chooses to use Castro at third, Refsnyder could slip into the starting second baseman role when the time calls for it.

In every level (MLB and Minors), he batted .290 in four total seasons and just needs his defense to become more consistent if he is going to be a factor soon.

Next: Number 5

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